I had a bit of a hard time deciding wether i should post this review, but i think it will be helpful for someone on the fence about spending 25 bucks on one pair of underwear. I had a hard time coughing up $25 for a pair of underwear, but if you take a step back and think about it; underwear is arguably one of the most important clothing items we carry on any extended overland excursion. Isn't it? Well unless you are a "commando" kind of guy the answer would be either cold weather gear or underwear.

My usual under garb of choice is a Costco 3 pack of Champion boxer briefs. After a year and a half on the road with six pairs of said undies, I can firmly say: bad idea, never again. They are not 100% cotton, but they have enough cotton that a few hours of Panamanian heat will have your junk in a wet sauna that will not dry anytime soon (pardon my poor writing skills and lack of class). This is not only uncomfortable, it is not healthy or hygienic either. Washing said underwear required 2 or 3 hours of sun to allow for drying, a luxury not available in Costa Rica for most of the rainy season (it is warm, but also super humid... Mold everywhere in the Landcruiser kinda humid).

Enter the Ex-Officio Give-N-Go boxer briefs and the claims by the folks at Ex-Officio:
Odor resistant and moisture wicking
Extremely breathable and air dries quickly
Terry elastic back and functional fly

They had me at moisture wicking. I sucked it up and ordered 2 pair. I have been using them now for 2 weeks (i have washed them :) ) and I must say -with fear of sounding a bit exaggerated- that I may never buy any other brand of underwear.

They are very light, breathable, extremely comfortable and they do dry in a short period even with high humidity and low temps. The fly is a bit useless for my preference, i just pull the elastic down when nature calls, but I am sure some people use it.

Now a small disclaimer: I am currently visiting in the U.S. and conditions will not be the same once we hit the road towards south America next week. So I will write an addendum to this review in a few weeks and perhaps again in a few months to give you a better idea of long term performance.

Andrew Walcker

11-23-2010, 01:41 AM

In a pinch, they actually work well for swimming trunks.

Smksignals

11-23-2010, 02:11 AM

The single most comfortable piece of clothing I own.

targa88

11-23-2010, 02:45 AM

The single most comfortable piece of clothing I own.

Bought them a couple of years ago on sale @ REI. No regrets.
Dry quickly, comfortable and durable - worth the $$$$

constructeur

11-23-2010, 02:56 AM

Cheers Luis! I find that sometimes its the simplest of things that can make a trip, especially a long one, more successful.

Riptide

11-23-2010, 12:20 PM

I second the rave reviews on their boxer briefs. I bought four pair of them when REI had them for 13 bucks each. Will stock up heavily if I see a price like that again.

I was using Patagonias before, but the Patagonias wore out too fast. BTW, I accidently bought some of their briefs, instead of their boxer briefs. The seam around the leg begins and ends on the backside of the leg, so that that little knot of fabric digs into your leg all day. What a stupid design! When I contacted them about it (because that's how much that knot dug into me), they could have cared less. So long, Patagonia...

I have done what Ex Officio brags about; wearing one while washing the other, wringing it out in a towel, and drying overnight. Works like a champ! Travel light! And they seem to be pretty durable.

I'll never buy another brand.

lostworldexpedition

11-23-2010, 07:30 PM

I just ran into a very thorough review and well written article on the Give-N-Go underwear courtesy of @OverlandGourmet.

The article is written by TrackPete here is the link (http://www.trackpete.net/2010/11/gear-review-year-of-exofficio-abuse.html)

atm76039

12-15-2010, 07:59 PM

Currently on sale for $18.75 (usually $25)

http://www.exofficio.com/product_details.aspx?item_cd=1241-0020

They say they have all sizes/colors in stock, I just placed an order.

John E

12-21-2010, 06:55 PM

for the tip on the sale, just ordered 2 pair myself.

AdjusterTim

09-30-2011, 04:25 PM

I spent the summer testing these out. I've been on the road since June 1st, only had 2 weeks at home. I haven't been offroading but I've been travelling with the full intention of having no more than a backpack of clothing for everything since June and it's worked. I bought 3 pairs of the Ex Officio Boxer briefs and have been rotating them. Best $75 I ever spent. Obscenely comfortable. Very breathable. As was stated, they dry easy and fast. The best part is I never know what kind of facilities I'm going to have so I tried hand washing these in the sink. Any available soap works on these. I've used detergent, hand soap and dish soap. Drying is a simple process of wring them out and hang them up the night before or if you need a quick dry - lay a dry towel flat, lay them on the towel, roll the two up like a swiss cake roll them wring the dry towel, and then take out the EO's and put them where they can catch a direct wind (no pun intended) and they will dry in half an hour. Faster if you have a hair dryer.

UK4X4

09-30-2011, 04:29 PM

Out of all the great experiences you've had in the last 5 months exploring in latin america

the best thing you can come up with is UNDERPANTS !

:sombrero:

pskhaat

09-30-2011, 04:53 PM

so....how do they perform with chafe?

Moody

09-30-2011, 05:25 PM

No chafe with the boxer briefs...be sure to get the correct size.

lostworldexpedition

09-30-2011, 06:16 PM

Out of all the great experiences you've had in the last 5 months exploring in latin america

the best thing you can come up with is UNDERPANTS !

:sombrero:

I wrote the OP in November of last year while we where in Costa Rica (I think)... But don't underestimate the importance of chafe-age, a pair of underwear that limit chafe are IMHO worth their weight in gold... The give-n-go's are awesome. I have been using 2 pairs (and no other underwear) since last October, no chafe and they dry in a few hours even in high humidity areas.

As the comic book shop owner in the Simpsons would say: Best underwear, ever.

MarcFJ60

10-01-2011, 06:58 PM

My only complaint about them is that I have had the waistband on several of them lose it's elasticity. I wash them per the directions, but maybe they just don't like my washing machine. Unfortunately, I don't have a stream or big rock nearby to bang them on.

lostworldexpedition

10-02-2011, 03:06 AM

I usually wash them in sinks by hand. In camp I sometimes put them in a large Tupperware with soapy water and just shake it for a while, let it soak and rinse... Works like a charm! We have a drying line inside the LandCruiser hung between the grab bars of the backseat, there is usually underwear and a packtowl hanging.

bobDog

10-02-2011, 04:51 AM

In a pinch, they actually work well for swimming trunks.Please ..... never use the word 'Pinch' while referring to underwear.:sombrero:

bobDog

10-02-2011, 04:59 AM

I usually wash them in sinks by hand. In camp I sometimes put them in a large Tupperware with soapy water and just shake it for a while, let it soak and rinse... Works like a charm! We have a drying line inside the LandCruiser hung between the grab bars of the backseat, there is usually underwear and a packtowl hanging.lets see wash undies.....store food.....I don't know but some how it would bother me to be having leftovers in your camp....probably silly but all the same......:chef:

lostworldexpedition

10-02-2011, 12:26 PM

That is hilarious! Both the pinch and the next post... But, we do have a "Tupperware" set aside for the wash :) it is not actually Tupperware per se it is a large plastic former pretzel container. It holds about a gallon of water and it has threads so it does no leak. Tupperware just was easier to explain.

Gooseberry

10-02-2011, 02:21 PM

I have had many pairs and do love them but the waist band always goes bad. Tried contacting them by email and voice mail with no response.

REI will swap them but person at the returns looks at me strange .

My only complaint about them is that I have had the waistband on several of them lose it's elasticity. I wash them per the directions, but maybe they just don't like my washing machine. Unfortunately, I don't have a stream or big rock nearby to bang them on.

AdjusterTim

10-06-2011, 08:07 AM

Out of all the great experiences you've had in the last 5 months exploring in latin america

the best thing you can come up with is UNDERPANTS !

:sombrero:

This was a bit of my doing. I was going to post a review but found this thread and decided to add it onto here rather than starting a new thread, even though it was resurrecting a nearly one year old thread.

Mustard23

10-06-2011, 08:19 AM

how do the cup the "boys"? I have about 4 pairs of the under armor boxer briefs.. i wear them when I know it will be a few days before the next shower, and they work ok at keeping me dry in the desert but they are tight on my "boys". I was thinking about trying ScottieVest's travel boxers.

MarcFJ60

10-08-2011, 02:28 PM

I have had many pairs and do love them but the waist band always goes bad. Tried contacting them by email and voice mail with no response.

REI will swap them but person at the returns looks at me strange .

Yep, I thought about returning the ones I got from REI, but just can't get past the thought of returning used underwear. :Wow1:

On a related note, I have a few of the REI brand underwear. I still prefer the Ex Officio, but like the REI ones too. One or two of those had the waistband loosen, but not as prevalent as with the EOs. REI ones are several dollars cheaper too.

nwoods

10-09-2011, 04:02 PM

how do the cup the "boys"? I have about 4 pairs of the under armor boxer briefs.. i wear them when I know it will be a few days before the next shower, and they work ok at keeping me dry in the desert but they are tight on my "boys". I was thinking about trying ScottieVest's travel boxers.

They work very well for active sports. And the Anti-chafing is the biggest reason why I buy them, and the breath-ability second. They are immensely comfortable.

Interestingly though, Scott Brady, who initially recommended to me, has now been vocal about Sax. http://www.saxxunderwear.com/

Any by the way, this is one thread where photos are really not necessary :-)

Corey

02-01-2012, 10:02 AM

Even though I have many pairs of the Duluth Trading "Buck Naked Boxers", I saw the Give-n-go ones on Amazon, so I ordered up four pair of the black ones this morning to try out compared to the others.

Amazon has them on sale for $16.98, way cheaper than Ex's site.
http://www.amazon.com/ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-Black-Medium/dp/B0036ZA02E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1328094036&sr=8-2

TangoBlue

02-01-2012, 02:38 PM

I'm anxiously awaiting your report Corey. I've got the old fabric Buck Naked's (which performed superbly in the desert) and wasn't a fan of the new fabric/elastic/cut. My old one's elastic is now merely a suggestion...

bobDog

02-02-2012, 05:41 AM

I'm anxiously awaiting your report Corey. I've got the old fabric Buck Naked's (which performed superbly in the desert) and wasn't a fan of the new fabric/elastic/cut. My old one's elastic is now merely a suggestion...LOL! Just a 'suggestion'....I understand completely...nice.:sombrero:

Corey

02-02-2012, 08:00 AM

I'm anxiously awaiting your report Corey. I've got the old fabric Buck Naked's (which performed superbly in the desert) and wasn't a fan of the new fabric/elastic/cut. My old one's elastic is now merely a suggestion...
I am not sure what my Duluth ones are, but I am pretty happy with them.
The only thing I do not like is the small button on the fly.
Why have a button at all, they should make them with an elastic panel like briefs that fold over.

I hope the Ex ones coming Friday have no buttons.

Ed B

02-02-2012, 03:27 PM

No buttons.

TangoBlue

02-02-2012, 04:41 PM

I am not sure what my Duluth ones are, but I am pretty happy with them.
The only thing I do not like is the small button on the fly.
Why have a button at all, they should make them with an elastic panel like briefs that fold over.

I hope the Ex ones coming Friday have no buttons.

The old style Buck Nakeds were more of a knit blend jersey, no button fly, and a fleeced inner waistband elastic. The new kind is knit mesh, button fly, and and un-faced elastic waistband. The button on the fly was helpful on boxers made of cotton material. It can be uncomfortable when the man-parts decide to go their own way; the button helped prevent that excursion. It can be really annoying too, to unbutton those flies with big man mitts, since the buttons are microscopic and hold the flap together tenaciously.

You mention, "Why have a button at all, they should make them with an elastic panel like briefs that fold over." You just described boxer-briefs - maybe you should look into those.

The Ex-Officio's appear sans button from the photos I've seen and the narrative product description generally provides those details, so hopefully, no button.

Corey

02-02-2012, 05:47 PM

I have one pair of Duluth's boxer/briefs, I do not care for them.
And yes, on the Duluth ones I have, if you do not close the tiny button, you will be playing pop goes the weasel :D

Glad the EX's do not have a button on them.

TangoBlue

02-02-2012, 07:11 PM

... if you do not close the tiny button, you will be playing pop goes the weasel :D

LOL. Anything longer than 30 seconds is not opening the button...

Corey

02-05-2012, 10:45 AM

OK, my official report from wearing them on Saturday.
They seem to be no more comfortable than the Duluth Buck Naked ones, but the latter were already comfortable, so both win in that department.

The texture may be a tad smoother on the Ex-Officio ones, but not much.
But where the Ex-Officio really shine is the no button on the fly.

I complained about the button on the fly with the Duluths earlier, and it is nice these have no button.
Duluth would be wise to drop their button and redesign the flap.
The button on the Duluths is simply to small to button back up sometimes.

With that, I am placing another order with Amazon for four more pair of the Ex-Officio ones.

TangoBlue

02-05-2012, 05:25 PM

OK, my official report from wearing them on Saturday.
They seem to be no more comfortable than the Duluth Buck Naked ones, but the latter were already comfortable, so both win in that department.

The texture may be a tad smoother on the Ex-Officio ones, but not much.
But where the Ex-Officio really shine is the no button on the fly.

I complained about the button on the fly with the Duluths earlier, and it is nice these have no button.
Duluth would be wise to drop their button and redesign the flap.
The button on the Duluths is simply to small to button back up sometimes.

With that, I am placing another order with Amazon for four more pair of the Ex-Officio ones.

Thanks Corey. Comparing the Buck Nakeds to the Exoffocio's... I assume you purchased the same size. Did you feel either one was a snugger or looser cut? Was the inseam longer or shorter than the Buck Naked. Thanks - waiting to pull the trigger...

Corey

02-06-2012, 04:17 PM

I ordered the same size.
The Ex ones are smaller when placed on top of the Duluth ones, but they fit me fine.
The fit though seems the same.
Cannot remember if one is longer or not.

TangoBlue

02-06-2012, 11:28 PM

Thanks Corey!

c.nordstrom

02-13-2012, 06:30 PM

Another ExOfficio Give-N-Go underwear fan chiming in. I really love these things. The waistband does seem to go bad after a while, but letting them air-dry instead of putting them in the dryer seems to help with this.

I'm also a big fan of the Give-N-Go t-shirt - it's the same material as the boxers and makes a great base layer. I wear the Give-N-Go tee underneath my GeoTrek'r shirt and it's a great combination.

forsakenfuture

06-01-2012, 03:24 PM

Just got mine and so far love them. Will be interesting to see how they wear. The one down side is they are made in China. Are any high quality clothing companies still made in America? I know Mountian Kahkis aren't and just a few of Duluths products are and the quality is lacking. Paid more for the US made jeans and then had the zipper break about a week later and they were unable to replace them so they just refunded the money.

lostworldexpedition

06-02-2012, 11:19 PM

Corey: 5 pairs of ex-officio's!? I have three and that is all I own. Granted I live in a Landcruiser :)

Still loving them. Quick to dry super comfy and no chafeage on long hikes in warm weather. Will not buy anything else unless someone says there is a give-n-go alternative worth it's salt...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Corey

06-03-2012, 02:14 AM

I have eight pair now.
I change every day.
I am wearing some now :D

adriatikfan

06-04-2012, 02:56 PM

Can these be purchased in stores in the US. Particularly New York City and San Francisco which I will be visiting this summer.

I've checked out all of the online reviews etc., as well as this thread and these look just like aht I've been searching for for a while now. However - the UK price is ludicrously expensive.

$25 becomes £25 i.e. approximately $40 and then shipping costs on top. It would be great if I could pick some up in the Summer.

Best Wishes
David

nwoods

06-04-2012, 03:03 PM

Can these be purchased in stores in the US. Particularly New York City and San Francisco which I will be visiting this summer.

I don't know about New York, but you can definitely get them at a store chain called REI in San Francisco. They are worth it.

adriatikfan

06-04-2012, 03:13 PM

I don't know about New York, but you can definitely get them at a store chain called REI in San Francisco. They are worth it.

Thank you so much for your reply - I really appreciate it.

Best Wishes
David

nwoods

06-04-2012, 03:31 PM

Thank you so much for your reply - I really appreciate it.

Best Wishes
David

You're welcome! I found their Store Locator, and there are stores in New York as well as San Francisco
http://www.rei.com/map/store

Leo504

06-07-2012, 04:14 PM

Just thought I'd chime in here. About two and a half years ago I discovered Ex-Officio boxer briefs. Mind you, I spend most of the year in Afghanistan (in fact I'm there now) and before I switched to Ex-Officio I'd run through 12 pairs of Hanes brand undies every six months or so. The laundry conditions here are murder on your clothes. I now own about 10 pairs of Ex-Officio's and even the first pair from 2.5 years ago still looks pretty good. Not date night good, but they're still perfectly functional. I've never had a problem with any of them. They've been comfortable in 120+ degree heat (like today) and comfortable under layers in 10 degree cold. I know the price seems a bit steep, but for the comfort and longitivtiy of these they're worth every penny.